Bristol city centre flooded with anti-racism protestors following far-right riots
The gathering of anti-racist protestors was largely peaceful on Wednesday evening
Holly LambertBristol city centre was filled with thousands of anti-racism protestors last night, Wednesday 7th August.
The protestors gathered to offset the far-right after riots had broken out across the country during the past week.
People gathered to stand against racism, as protests were planned to take place in the Old Market and West Street, outside Gya Williams Immigration services.
Hundreds of police gathered in the area after violence unravelled a few days earlier from similar protests. Many local businesses closed their doors and boarded up their storefronts in anticipation of violence, however, this time there was much less unrest than expected.
By 3pm, police had arrived to patrol the Old Market area. Avon and Somerset Police say they deployed hundreds of officers in the city centre to “help keep the city safe”.
This counter-protest was a positive change from threats and violence from previous riots seen across many cities in England.
Bristol Commander Superintendent Mark Runacres released a statement after the rally, to thank those who were part of the peaceful demonstration.
He said: “We know our communities were worried about what might happen, but the vast majority of people displayed exemplary behaviour.
“I’m extremely grateful for the assistance we’ve had from community and business leaders both in the lead-up to, and during, tonight’s operation. Their support has been invaluable.”
1,000 people had gathered in the Old Market area by 7pm, who were heard chanting “Refugees welcome.”
Half an hour later, crowds had doubled – with some people seen heading further into the city centre. Police force increased and men on horseback arrived for added security, although, only one arrest was made on Wednesday after a brick and bottle were thrown at a police vehicle, ITV reports.
The uproar of protests originally began after false speculations about the identity of a teenager who killed three young girls in Stockport last month.
One of the anti-racism protesters told ITV News: “I think it’s been a very good turn out. I think a lot of people have shown up to really show the community and everybody that we’re not okay with the fascism and the racism that is being presented in our country at the moment.”
“For them to say it’s in response with what happened, with those little girls – it’s not.
“Any normal human would be mourning the death of those little girls. What happened was absolutely tragic but they can’t use it as a point to feed that agenda of hate.”
Speaking as the demonstration was ongoing, a police spokesperson said they were facilitating the peaceful gathering and were “grateful for the public’s support.”
Three hours after it began, only a few hundred remained in the area.
Avon and Somerset Police released a statement after the demonstration on X, saying: “We’ve made an arrest on West St after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle and a bottle was thrown. We’ve facilitated a largely peaceful protest but we won’t tolerate acts of criminality. Significant numbers of officers remain in the Old Market area to maintain order.”
The University of Bristol has released a statement and support page for anyone who needs it at this time.
It reads: “There is no place for violence, intimidation, Islamophobia or any form of racism in Bristol. Every member of our community deserves to feel safe and included.
“We recognise that these events are extremely unsettling and may leave some among us feeling vulnerable and unsafe. This does not reflect the values of the city, or our values as a University.
“There is no place for violence and harassment towards any of the diverse communities that make up our city and our global University community. No one should feel unsettled, vulnerable, or unsafe in Bristol, and we are ready to provide support if you need it.”
The whole statement, alongside helpful links to other support helplines, is here.
Cover image via @ASPolice on X.